Proper Use

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Use it at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or skin. If this medicine does get into your eyes, wash them out right away with large amounts of cool tap water. If your eyes still burn or are painful, check with your doctor.

This medicine usually come with patient directions. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

Metronidazole vaginal gel is in a tube. You will use an applicator to put the gel into your vagina. The applicator has a plastic tube called a barrel that is open at one end and has a plunger (another piece of plastic that can move inside the barrel) at the other end.

To fill the applicator:

For cream or gel dosage forms:

Break the metal seal at the opening of the tube by using the point on the top of the cap.

Screw the applicator onto the tube.

Squeeze the medicine into the applicator slowly until it is full.

Remove the applicator from the tube. Replace the cap on the tube.

For vaginal tablet dosage form:

Place the vaginal tablet into the applicator. Wet the vaginal tablet with water for a few seconds.

To insert vaginal metronidazole using the applicator

For all dosage forms:

Relax while lying on your back with your knees bent (or in any position that you feel comfortable).

Hold the full applicator in one hand. Insert it slowly into the vagina. Stop before it becomes uncomfortable.

Slowly press the plunger until it stops.

Withdraw the applicator. The medicine will be left behind in the vagina.

Remove the applicator from your vagina. Use each applicator only once, and then throw it away.

To help clear up your infection completely, it is very important that you keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses. Also, continue using this medicine even if your menstrual period starts during the time of treatment.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For bacterial vaginal infections:

For vaginal dosage form (cream):

Adults and teenagers—One applicatorful (500 milligrams [mg]), inserted into the vagina. Use the medicine one or two times a day for 10 or 20 days.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For vaginal dosage form (gel):

Adults and teenagers—One applicatorful (5000 milligrams [mg]) inserted into the vagina once a day (at bedtime) for 5 days. Each applicatorful contains 37.5 mg of metronidazole.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For vaginal dosage form (tablets):

Adults and teenagers—One 500 milligram (mg) tablet, inserted high into the vagina. Use the medicine once a day in the evening for 10 or 20 days.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.